PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has directed his officers to provide immediate assistance to two journalists injured in an accident while travelling to cover a programme in Bagan Datuk early today.
In a Facebook post, Anwar said he was saddened to learn that Bernama journalist Nur Afiradina Arshad, 34, and New Straits Times (NST) journalist Zahratulhayat Mat Arif, 37, had been involved in the accident.
“I received news that two media friends, Nur Afiradina Arshad and Zahratulhayat Mat Arif from Bernama and NST, were involved in an accident while travelling to cover a programme in Bagan Datuk early this morning,” he said.
He also prayed for their treatment to proceed smoothly and for both to make a full and speedy recovery.
“I have also directed my officers to provide both of them with any immediate assistance they need.
“May all matters be eased for them and their families as they face this ordeal,” he said.
The accident occurred at about 6am along Jalan Menglembu as the two journalists were travelling from Ipoh to Bagan Datuk in a Perodua Bezza.
The car was reportedly hit from behind by a lorry, causing it to spin several times before overturning. The lorry subsequently skidded into bushes along the opposite lane.
Both journalists were taken to Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital (HRPB) in Ipoh for treatment.
Zahratulhayat received outpatient treatment and was discharged, while Afiradina remains under observation in the hospital’s yellow zone after vomiting and sustaining injuries to her right arm.
Zahratulhayat said the car, driven by Afiradina, had stopped at a traffic light when it was suddenly hit from behind by the lorry.
The impact caused the car to spin several times before overturning. Afiradina managed to get out of the vehicle, while Zahratulhayat was trapped in the front passenger seat before being rescued by members of the public and police officers at the scene.
She said she was in stable condition but had sustained cuts to both hands, while her right cheek was bruised and swollen.
Ipoh district police chief ACP Muhammad Najib Hamzah confirmed the incident, saying further details were still under investigation.
The journalists were on their way to cover the opening ceremony of the Bagan Datuk District Sultan Nazrin Shah Bridge Run at the Bagan Datuk Night Market site, scheduled to begin at 8.30am.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister and Bagan Datuk MP, attended the event.
In a separate Facebook post, Zahid said he was saddened to learn that the two journalists had been involved in the accident while travelling to cover the programme.
“Allah, my heart is heavy with sadness upon receiving news that two media friends from Bernama and NST were involved in an accident while on their way to cover a programme in Bagan Datuk early this morning.
“I was informed that both are currently receiving treatment, with one of them still at Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital.
“I pray that Dina and Zahra’s treatment goes smoothly and that they are granted the best possible recovery.
“Insyallah, let us pray together that both recover soon and return to good health,” he said.